Nineties fashion has made a real comeback in 2014 and crop tops have quickly become one of SS14’s must-have items.
Okay, so crop tops have not always covered themselves in glory, and there will be a few people reading this that remember some of the awkward styles worn by mid-90s pop stars. However, the designs of 2014 offer a much more chic and sophisticated look – as long as you get the style right.
Here are a few essential tips on how you can pull of a crop top this summer:
1. Get Covered
If there’s one thing that puts women off wearing crop tops, it’s the thought of exposing too much mid-riff. If you’re worried about showing off more tummy than you would like, try layering up as a way to hide a lot of skin. Pair a crop top with a blazer or cardigan to show off only a little bit of skin and keep most of upper half covered. This look will also help you stay warm during the cool summer nights.
2. Go for layers
Staying on the theme of covering up, adding some layers into your style can really add another dimension to a crop top. A button up blouse underneath a crop sweater is a chic look that anyone can pull off – flat stomach or not.
3. Pencil Skirt Sophistication
Crop tops are traditionally not seen as the most sophisticated of clothing styles, but by pairing it with a pencil skirt you can definitely add a level of sleekness. The pencil skirt oozes sophistication and a plain colour crop top and some multi heels will help create a wonderful formal look.
4. Experiment
The crop top is not the easiest of styles to pull off, but experiment a little and you’ll come up with the right look. It’s all about striking the right balance – you want to show off some skin, but not too much. Try pairing your top with high-waist skirts and shorts, and hot pants to see what works best.
5. Choose Sleeves
Wearing a skin-tight boob tube crop top takes a hell of a lot of self-confidence, so consider a top with sleeves. Short or long, sleeves are conservative, yet totally stylish. They also tend to work better as going out tops for more formal occasions.
Colin Armstrong
